NATCA Bookshelf

THE DELEGATE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2016 13 SPOTLIGHT: HOTEL DEL CORONADO The Hotel del Coronado is a San Diego treasure, with 128 years of rich history. The Del has played host to celebrities, royalty, dignitaries, and U.S. Presidents since its debut in 1888, and was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1977. The Del's founders, Elisha Babcock and H.L. Story, set out to build a hotel that would stand the test of time. To do so, they established the city of Coronado prior to construction as the foundation of their vision and the center point of North Island. When the Del debuted, it was considered a technological marvel. Electricity was still uncommon in buildings; candles were the primary form of light. In addition to having complete electrical capabilities, the hotel supplied electricity to the entire city of Coronado. The hotel even premiered the world's first electrically lit, outdoor, live Christmas tree in 1904. The Del has stood the test of time and has been a hub of extraordinary sights, including several events and individuals representing the uniquely American tradition of aviation. During World War I, the hotel provided a great view of some of the nation's first pilots taking off and landing at North Island. Pilot Walter Lees, who in 1931 set the world flying endurance record (unrefueled) of 84.5 hours, was a notable visitor to the hotel following his historic flight. The hotel has also been the setting of several films, including the 1931 film Hell Divers, staring Clark Gable and Wallace Beery as Navy Airmen. On Sept. 21, 1927, Charles Lindbergh was honored at the hotel following his solo trans-Atlantic flight from New York to France. Lindbergh's plane, the Spirit of St. Louis, was built in San Diego. An estimated 1,000 people attended the celebration in the Crown Room of the Del, which featured "Lone Eagle Stuffed Eggs," "Salad Lindbergh," and "Spirit of St. Louis Striped Bass." In 1930, Roscoe Turner, record-breaking aviator and three-time winner of the Thompson Trophy air race, also visited the hotel with his aircraft, the Gilmore Lion, lovingly named in honor of his pet lion. Today, the hotel continues its strong ties to aviation. Situated next to Naval Air Station North Island (Halsey Field), guests of the hotel get a daily view of military air operations and practice flights. Explore more of Hotel del Coronado's history during the closing reception by visiting the hotel's downstairs history hallway to view large historic photographs. ✪ President Benjamin Harrison, Esther Williams, Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra Charles Lindbergh Roscoe Turner

• Cover